3. Advocacy: One Powerful Voice

When you join ACA you are joining one strong voice that speaks for the good of the entire profession.

ACA stands behind its Code of Ethics for important legislation, such as the ban on so-called "Conversion Therapy" for minors. So far our efforts have assisted in banning the practice in five states: California, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Oregon, and Illinois.

The Government Affairs team also advocates for the counseling profession on major policy issues, such as hiring of LPCs within the Veterans Administration; Medicare coverage of LPCs; and funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP).

Legislative “action alerts” are issued for members when urgent matters arise. For example, a recent alert asked members to email their Senators about co-sponsoring S.1830 the “Mental Health Access Improvement Act," which would finally allow LPCs to be reimbursed by Medicare. More than 2200 emails were sent. ACA advocacy efforts were also critical in securing the support of two Republican Senators to save the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program early in 2015.

In addition to advocating for members, the Government Affairs team also attends special events, such as the 2015 White House Convening in San Diego, “Strengthening School Counselors and College Advising,” where CEO Richard Yep was a featured speaker.